Even when you (intend to) make the cheapest brand-new car in the world, you can't escape an economic downturn. Global jitters and year-end hemming and hawing have conspired to slice Tata's December sales figures nearly in half compared to a year ago. December is a traditionally slow month for auto sales as buyers try to put off expenditures until the next year (when incentives are more attractive on existing stock), but even accounting for the bargain hunters, this is a major drop.

Automotive News is reporting that Toyota will launch a really cheap car in the next two years. Most likely to be built in India, it is primarily intended for sale in emerging markets, but could also find its way into more developed markets, too. So far, India and Brazil seem to be the leading candidates for hosting production of this inexpensive family car. One reason the company may be siding with India is that Toyota has already acknowledged it will be building a new plant there. A new facilit